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While most of ABQ RIDE's 400-series buses have been retired and replaced by the 900-series New Flyer DE40LFRs, about 10 400-series buses are still in service, including the three D-Ride buses.

For the replacement of the remaining 400s, they would have to be replaced by smaller buses.

I personally would choose the New Flyer DE35LFR diesel-electric hybrid. While they are a little longer than the 400s, they would still offer a little more capacity while still having a smaller turning radius than 40-foot buses like the 900s.

Well, it is difficult to compare cost effectiveness based on brand, as normally such contracts are tendered out for bids. In addition, the lowest bidder may not always be selected if they are less compliant with the bid specifications than a higher bidder, for example, Gillig was the lowest bidder when ABQ RIDE was looking for their RTS (100/200-series) replacement, but New Flyer's bid was more compliant with ABQ RIDE's bid specifications, and thus ABQ RIDE chose the New Flyer DE40LFR to replace the 100/200-series.

Out of my choices in the poll, ElDorado is on average the cheapest, however, that is because their buses are considered medium-duty buses (just like the 400s) rather than heavy-duty like the rest of my choices and all of ABQ RIDE's New Flyer fleet. Out of the heavy duty options, it seems that Gillig usually tends to bid lower than other manufacturers for most small- to mid-size transit authorities, however, they tend provide less leeway than New Flyer, Orion, or NABI when it comes to specification. Once ABQ RIDE tenders out the contract for bid, it will be very interesting to see what will happen.

Now, comparing based on propulsion type is a bit different. Obviously, straight diesel buses are the cheapest to purchase, however, they are less fuel-efficient than diesel-electric hybrids, resulting in higher long-term operating costs. Of course, it is possible for the batteries of a diesel-electric hybrid to fail, which adds on to some of its operating costs. As for CNG, they cost more to purchase than straight diesel buses but less than diesel-electric hybrids, however, they are probably the least economical as they tend to have very poor fuel economy even compared to straight diesel buses, and are mostly for TAs that want to operate an eco-friendly fleet. However, with the new EPA 2010 standards, Cummins' latest diesel engines are almost on par with their CNG engine in terms of emissions. Combine that engine with a hybrid drivetrain and you got a green machine.

Do you know what our bid specs are? Do we specify an efficiency target? Minimum mpg/energy use?

I don't know exact bid specifications, however, perhaps what you mentioned might be considered in the process, along with some other specifications.

So far, ABQ RIDE's specifications have seemed to favor New Flyer at least for 40-foot and 60-foot buses, however, this may not be the case for smaller buses. For example, if ABQ RIDE orders 30-foot buses, the issue with New Flyer's 30-foot bus is that it only has one door, thus slowing down boarding and unboarding, while all the other 30-foot options are available with rear doors. This is one of the reasons why I think ABQ RIDE should go with 35-foot buses rather than 30-foot buses to replace the remaining 400-series, as all of the major manufacturers offer a rear door on their 35-foot buses. Also, if ABQ RIDE specifically wants heavy-duty buses rather than medium-duty, then the ElDorado EZ Rider II MAX won't qualify.

Unfortunately, I cannot edit my poll. However, as for which buses lack rear doors, only the 30-foot New Flyer buses lack them. Technically the ElDorado EZ Rider II MAX (all variants) can be ordered without a rear door, or can even be ordered without a front door where the rear door serves both as an entrance and exit. These different door configurations make the ElDorado EZ Rider II MAX a popular choice for airport shuttle operators.

ElDorado also now even offers a (supposedly) heavy-duty bus known as the Axess. It is available in 35-foot and and 40-foot variants. However, since there are no large-scale operators of the model, I don't think ABQ RIDE would be willing to take the risk of an unproven model. Valley Metro in Phoenix was going to buy some 40-foot Axess buses, however, plans have been put on hold due to the economy. That contract may be rebid soon.

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